Behind the loom
Studio Milena was launched by Helen Milen, a former fashion designer with a passion for woven textiles, handcrafted luxury, and sustainable practices.
During Helen's fashion career with British heritage brands she worked closely with fabric mills, which highlighted her love for all things woven. Drawing on this experience, Helen decided to leave fashion design for the slower creative journey of hand woven textiles.
"My aim is to create beautiful carefully considered textiles to be treasured and enjoyed
for years to come"
Collections
Studio Milena collections evolve slowly to offer contemporary woven art panels, limited edition interior textiles and luxurious one-off scarves. Each carefully crafted piece is brought to life through Helen's passion for texture and off-beat colour.
View all collections here
For early access to all new collections, please subscribe to Helen's
Practice
Sustainable ethics are at the heart of Helen's creative practice. Weaving with only natural fibres, time is taken to source materials in-line with her slow-textile principles.
Helen carefully selects wool yarn from Yorkshire millls. Discontinued yarns and leftover silk fabrics are thoughtfully sourced from fashion and textile companies.
Loom waste and off-cuts from Helen's own studio are re- woven into new pieces.
"Ethical and environmentally considered textiles are
at the heart of my weaving practice"
Inspiration
Helen is fascinated by architectural details.
In particular, she is captivated by architecture's relationship with the surrounding landscape. Rural, urban or coastal. Layers of contrasting textures, unexpected patterns and pops of off-beat colour, that invite a closer look.
To learn more about Helen's design process, you can sign-up to her Textile Journal mailing list here:Textile Journals
Weaving
Each individual weaving process takes Helen time and patience, with the beauty of a finished piece not being revealed until she rolls it off her loom.
It is this wonderful journey that brings Helen a sense of connection with her handwoven textiles. A connection she hopes to share with others through her work.
Hear more about Helen's weaving process by subscribing to her Textile Journals here
Contemporary handwoven textiles
Studio Milena collections are designed, handwoven and hand-finished
by Helen in her studio located on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors.